A recent report by Zurich International Life has revealed a concerning shift in the UAE workforce: severe illnesses and life-altering injuries are now striking employees in their late 30s and 40s. The 'People Protection Report 2026,' which reviewed claims from 2023 to 2025, shows that the traditional belief that life insurance is only a concern for older individuals is no longer accurate. With the majority of claimants falling between the ages of 39 and 50, it is clear that health challenges are surfacing during the prime years of professional and family life. During this three-year window, Zurich paid out over Dh140 million in claims, with cardiovascular diseases and cancer emerging as the leading causes for life cover, while musculoskeletal issues, accidents, and mental health struggles dominated disability claims.

This trend highlights a critical need for businesses to rethink their approach to employee benefits. Matthew Whitehouse, Head of Corporate Life and Pensions at Zurich, emphasizes that companies should shift their focus toward "living benefits," which support staff through illness or injury while they are still active in the workforce. Given that 79 percent of disability claims are linked to a loss of income, providing robust financial protection is essential for both staff wellbeing and organizational retention. Furthermore, with one in seven disability claims now tied to mental health—and the potential for billions in productivity losses by 2030—employers are urged to move beyond basic death benefits. Integrating mental health support and early detection services into core corporate packages is no longer just a perk, but a strategic necessity for long-term business stability.